The Music Producers Guild yesterday announced the shortlists for the 2013 edition of its annual awards, including the nominees for the Best Producer BRIT Award, which sees former winner Paul Epworth up for it again. This year’s Outstanding Contribution Award recipient, meanwhile, will be Beatles producer George Martin.

MPG chairman Steve Levine told CMU: “The Outstanding Contribution Award acknowledges those who have made a significant contribution over a long period of time to the success of the UK music recording industry, so we are thrilled that Sir George Martin has agreed to accept the Music Producers Guild’s highest honour. Many record producers around the world owe George a huge debt of gratitude, not just for his inspired production techniques, but also for his efforts to ensure that all producers rightfully receive a royalty for their work”.

He added: “An MPG Award is highly sought-after by recording professionals because it represents an endorsement by your peers. Whilst anyone can nominate, only full members of the MPG are allowed to vote for the shortlist and therefore the results are relevant to the creative value of our industry. Those who win an MPG Award are recognised to be at the top of their game as a recording professional”.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Café de Paris in London on 7 Feb 2013.

Live Production Of The Year: Adele Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2011, Bon Iver at Air Studios, The Olympics – Opening CeremonyUK Album of the Year: Paloma Faith – Fall To Grace, Florence & The Machine – Ceremonials, Ed Sheeran – +UK Single Song Release of the Year: Paloma Faith – Picking Up the Pieces, Plan B – Ill Manors, The Maccabees – Pelican, Ed Sheeran – Lego House